It’s hot out and summer in the Northern Hemisphere isn’t over yet. If you’re thinking of traveling somewhere this summer other than a cooling vacation destination, be prepared to sweat.
According to a recent summer weather forecast from the Weather Channel and weather and climate information provider Atmospheric G2, this summer is shaping up to be one of the hottest on record in the United States. After last year’s record-breaking November globally since 1940, wildfires are once again raging in Greece, and last month an American tourist was found dead and three others are missing as the country battles another heat wave. Record-breaking summer temperatures have been scorching the western and eastern United States, and there is talk of the risks to athletes from potential heat waves at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
With temperatures rising and summer becoming more popular as the traditional season when large numbers of travelers hit the road, people with travel plans may be wondering how to stay cool, safe and comfortable when extreme heat has become the new normal in so many destinations around the world.
Knowing some of the most common mistakes to avoid when traveling in hot conditions can help you take the safest route. Read on to learn some of the mistakes you shouldn’t make if you want to beat the heat and stay safe this summer.
Thinking that heat is only dangerous during peak hours of the day.
Jeff Weinstein, medical operations manager for Global Rescue, a provider of crisis response and travel risk services, says it’s a common misconception that you’re only at risk for heat emergencies during the hottest hours of the day. “The fact is that any time you’re ‘out and about’ in a hot environment, you’re at risk if you don’t properly mitigate the hazards,” he says.
According to Weinstein, the main medical risks associated with extreme heat are:
- Heat-related injuries (including heat cramps)
- Heat exhaustion and heat stroke
- Dehydration
- Sunburn and sun exposure
And this can happen at any time of day in hot weather. According to the Mayo Clinic, you are at risk for heat stroke if your body temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, a condition that requires emergency treatment as it can damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles.
Not taking heat stroke seriously
One of the most concerning medical conditions associated with heat is heat stroke, says Dr. Matthew B. Shannon, director of community emergency medicine at University of Florida Health in Gainesville, Florida. “These are patients who are often very sick,” he says, referring to people who suffer from heat stroke. “They are often very dehydrated and therefore lose the ability to sweat, which is the body’s most efficient mechanism for cooling us down.”
As the body’s core temperature rises, Shannon explains, the affected person becomes confused and disoriented, which can have life-threatening effects and cause death quickly if steps are not taken to quickly cool the body, he says.
It’s important to call 911 (or the equivalent emergency service in the country you’re in) as soon as you see signs that someone is confused and disoriented, Shannon says. “Get the person to the coolest area possible while you wait for EMS to arrive,” she says. “And consider taking some clothes and soaking them in cold water and starting to clean the patient until EMS arrives.”
Patients who use diuretics, among other medications, or have kidney disease or other medical conditions may be more susceptible to heat injuries, Shannon adds.
“I would recommend people consult their GP if they are going to be in extremely hot environments, where they are likely to suffer heat injuries, to find out their individual risk,” she says. And don’t forget that children are more susceptible to heat stroke than most adults, as are older people.
Misting fans can be counterproductive in high humidity areas.
Not understanding how best to cool down in a humid heat versus a dry heat
It’s important to understand the environment and adapt cooling methods accordingly, Weinstein says.
“In humid conditions, convection cooling (spraying water and using fans) is less effective than conduction (placing cold objects or water directly on the skin),” Weinstein says. That’s because convection and conduction cooling methods rely on the density and concentration of water in the air in humid or arid environments.
“When you spray someone with water and fan them, you’re basically recreating how sweat works and trying to speed up the[cooling]process. The challenge in a humid environment is that the air is already full of water, and the spray/fan prevents the water from evaporating as easily from the skin,” he says.
Heavy, humid air is also harder to move; in humid environments, ventilation is more difficult and slower due to the density of the air.
Fanning and spraying water works most effectively in arid environments as a cooling measure because dry air has more room to absorb water and is easily moved by fanning, Weinstein says.
When using conduction cooling methods to cool oneself or another person in a humid environment, the object used can be anything that has a cooler temperature than the environment it is in, he explains.
And while ice and ice packs are great for cooling off in humid environments, they’re not usually readily available outdoors, Weinstein says. In that case, put cold water on a towel or shirt and place it on the affected person’s forehead or the back of their neck, Weinstein says. If you do apply ice, be sure to use a barrier between the skin and the ice — a thin washcloth or T-shirt works. “Ice can be applied in increments and staggered locations. Care should be taken not to exceed 20 minutes on the same area,” he says.
Overlooking electrolytes
While water is the most important thing to drink when it comes to staying hydrated, replenishing electrolytes is also crucial during extreme heat or when engaging in physical activity, Weinstein says. “Electrolyte powders or tablets are ideally used as part of rehydration practices,” she says.
If possible, it’s a good idea to choose an electrolyte solution that doesn’t have too high a sugar content. “Not all sports drinks are created equal. Sports drinks that are high in sugar are usually not the best choice,” Shannon says. Also, try to avoid sodas that are high in sugar, as well as caffeinated beverages, which can act as a mild diuretic and contribute to dehydration, she says. It goes without saying that alcohol should never be used as a hydration fluid.
Stur makes TSA-friendly bottles of electrolyte-filled water flavor-enhancing drops in new sugar-free, calorie-free flavors like passion fruit and guava that you can add directly to water to enhance hydration. Skratch Labs also makes a sugar-free, low-calorie daily hydration drink mix powder with electrolytes.
Wearing clothes that are too tight
Some clothes just aren’t a good idea for hot weather, no matter how good they look.
“If you’re traveling to an area where high temperatures are expected, plan accordingly and choose clothing that reflects that,” Shannon says.
Loose clothing allows air to circulate around the body, she says. The goal is for water vapor from sweat to pass through the fabrics you’re wearing, which helps evaporation and keeps you cool.
Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting pieces like this linen-blend two-piece set from Pact (left) or this moisture-wicking button-down shirt from KÜHL (right).
Courtesy of Pact and KÜHL
When choosing the best clothing, it’s a good idea to consider lightweight fabrics that wick moisture away from the body through the fabric to keep you cooler as you sweat. Moisture-wicking fabrics also dry faster than many other fabrics.
Some options to consider are lightweight, moisture-wicking tees (and even tailored shirts) from brands like 2XU and KÜHL and breathable shorts from Stio that are neither too tight nor too baggy.
If you’re looking for something more modern than sporty, Pact makes tulip-back tees and sets in a linen and organic cotton blend, and Marine Layer’s highly breathable hemp cotton tees are another winning option.
Not taking heat into account when planning your trip
It’s normal to want to make the most of all there is to see and do at your travel destination, but be sure to consider heat risks ahead of time.
“If you’re traveling to new areas, consider the time of year you’re traveling and, if possible, try to visit during cooler times,” Shannon says. If you can’t avoid traveling during peak heat times, like summer, she says, then consider the time of day you plan to be outdoors in a hot environment. “Is there a best time to be there, like early morning or late afternoon?” she says. “A little planning can make for a fun travel experience. Lack of planning, lack of preparation, and not recognizing the signs of heat injuries can get you into trouble pretty quickly.”
Also avoid remote areas during peak heat hours and be sure to bring plenty of water than you think you’ll need.
“Travelers should make sure to bring enough water to hydrate effectively and account for delays in their itinerary,” Weinstein says. “Remember to hydrate before heading out into the heat.”
If you’re traveling somewhere remote, whether for a day trip or longer, consider bringing additional gear, such as a satellite phone or SOS device, water collection bags to gather water from sources, a means of purifying water, an emergency shelter and navigation equipment, Weinstein says.
Telling someone where you are is a simple step that can also go a long way.
“Make sure your loved ones know where you are and what time you are expected back,” Shannon says.
